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I am excited to finally be able to share this! Much of my time over the past year has been devoted to the design and making of this intricate hand-engraved inkwell, which is inspired by 13th century specimens from Khorasan. I was commissioned by the Saudi Ministry of Culture to design and make this piece to be exhibited in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia at the “Paths to the Soul” calligraphy exhibition, 2023. The vessel is made from solid bronze with completely hand-engraved detailing and inlay. The calligraphy on the top was designed by Mothanna Alobaidi. I am honored to exhibit this alongside dozens of amazing artists from around the world.
Description: Bronze inkwell inspired by 13th century specimens from Khorasan. The solid bronze vessel is ornamented with inlaid silver coping forming a series of roundells. Inside this roundells are engraved three curvilinear geometric medallions, as well as three smaller lobed medallions framing the hasp fixtures. Also linked to this coping are small inlaid copper roundells featuring engraved calligraphic inscriptions. An ornate zenjerek border encircles the vessel at the base and near the opening. The lid features the main calligraphic inscription in thuluth reading "kawakib al hikam fi dhulam al midad" "Stars of wisdom in the darkness of ink" a verse attributed to al Mamun. The inscription is of inlaid fine silver. The dome of the lid is deep relief engraved with a tesselating geometric pattern based on a truncated cuboctohedron. The base features an engraved pattern as well as teardrop-shaped feet.